Tag: packing tips and tricks

Being a college student can be a lot of fun. But it can also be a lot of work. With classes to attend, papers to write, books to read and jobs to go to – college is full of stress. What can make it even more stressful is if you have to move to a new home in the middle of it. When will you have time to squeeze moving into your already jam-packed schedule? Here are some tips to follow to help make your student move easy and organized.

Make a moving checklist. If you haven’t yet adopted the habit of making checklists to keep your head on straight during a busy time, doing so during a move is a great time to start. Making a checklist is the ultimate way to help organize your time and ensure you don’t forget to do any of the important tasks you need to complete. When creating your moving checklist, describe in detail everything that needs to be done before, during and after your move. Include a time frame for each task and ensure you follow it precisely.

Don’t move unnecessary items. The longer you live somewhere, the more items you accumulate. If you take a look at everything you own, there are probably a few things you don’t need or want anymore. To make your move easier, it’s a good idea to leave behind or get rid of any unnecessary items. You may also consider donating your unwanted items – old clothes or books – to charity. Not only will doing so save you lots of valuable time, but you will also be doing something good for someone else.

Get help. No matter how big or small a move is, it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to tackle it all on your own. As much as you may hate to ask someone to help you move, it’s something you will definitely have to do. So round up some friends – or family if they’re nearby – to lend a hand. Put some people in charge of packing and labeling and others in charge of the heavy lifting. The more help you have, the easier, faster and more successful your move will be.

Collect packing supplies. Moving to a new place is impossible without packing supplies, so be sure to gather the must-have essentials before beginning to pack. If you are moving on a dime, try and find free supplies. First, look around your current home for any boxes or containers that you already have. Next, ask friends and local businesses if they have any supplies you can have. If you are willing to spend some cash on moving supplies, then check with local moving companies. Yes, buying supplies will add to the overall cost of your move, but having the proper boxes (and other supplies) will save you a lot of time and trouble in the end.

Label all boxes and containers. When packing up your belongings, it is very important to label all boxes and containers as you go. If you avoid this important step, unpacking post-move will be a nightmare. How exactly will you find specific items if you have 50 moving boxes that all look almost exactly the same? There are many ways to label your boxes, like listing their contents or destination room or with specialized words like “fragile” or “this side up.” For more tips on labeling, click here.

Start packing early. In order to make your move as calm and efficient as possible, the best thing to do is start the moving process early. Moving is a very stressful time, so if possible, start packing at least two to three weeks before your move.

One last thing. Another important thing to do when preparing for a move is to go over your plans with everyone involved. This will ensure everyone is on the same page and will help things run smoothly come moving day.

Some decisions in life are easy, like what to eat for lunch or what to watch on TV. Some decisions, on the other hand, are not so simple. One, in particular, is moving house. The process of moving house is filled with levels of stress-inducing situations, puzzling complexities, and also confusion. So before you decide to go through such an ordeal, it’s important to thoroughly consider all aspects of a move before committing to it.

To help finalize your decision on whether or not to move house, there are many important questions to ask yourself. By asking yourself questions, and finding answers to them, you will get a much clearer picture of the moving adventure ahead of you, and it will also make the whole moving process easier. So what questions should you ask? Continue reading to find out!

Question #2: Can I afford to move? Moving isn’t cheap. In fact, after buying supplies, putting down deposits, and hiring movers, it can cost quite a lot. With this said, it makes sense that a crucial question to ask yourself is whether you can afford to move. So be sure to set up a moving budget to see how your finances look before you get into a tough situation.

Question #3: Can I handle a DIY move?

A DIY move can be a great way to save some money – especially for a small or local move. But there are some things to consider first. A self-move can be risky for safety and financial reasons, so ask yourself these questions before committing to organizing and executing a move all by yourself:

Do I have any previous moving experience?

Do I have friends or family I can rely on helping me on moving day?

Am I moving a short distance?

Am I moving only non-specialty items that I can handle myself?

If you answered yes to these questions, then you may be able to tackle a DIY move.

Question #4: Should I hire a professional moving company?

Whether or not you should hire a professional moving company is your own personal choice, but there are a number of reasons to do it. For example, if you don’t have much time until moving day, or if you are unable to gather enough reliable friends or family to help you out, then trusting professional movers is your best bet for a trouble-free move. It is also a good idea to entrust your valuable and specialty items to movers who have experience in moving such items. This is especially true when moving a long distance, where your belongings have a large risk of becoming damaged.

Question #5: What do I do until moving day?

So what exactly should you be doing from the time you decide to move until moving day arrives? The obvious answer is packing, of course. But there is much more to tackle and accomplish. You will need to organize all of your belongings, find and secure a new place to live, gather packing and moving supplies, and more! A great way to ensure an efficient move is to create a packing and moving checklist. This will help keep things under control and your stress level down.

Question #6: What packing supplies do I need so I can pack on my own?

If you decide to pack your belongings yourself, then you will need to collect the necessary packing supplies. Before gathering your supplies, first consider what items you will need to pack. Common packing materials you will need to ensure your possessions are well-protected during your move include:

To help save some money, be sure to look around your home for any packing and moving supplies you may already have. It is also a good idea to check with friends or businesses that may have supplies you need.

For all you need to know for your upcoming move, check out our blog or contact us for more information.

When tackling a major move, hiring experienced movers is the ideal choice. This is because professional movers have the training and equipment to perform a smooth and trouble-free relocation. However, no matter how competent and reliable your chosen movers are, it is strongly recommended not to entrust them with certain possessions. Here is a complete list of the valuable items you should always move yourself:

Important Documents

There are many important documents you’ll need to keep track of during your move – passports, driver’s licenses, medical and school records, birth and marriage certificates, insurance policies, bank statements, car registration papers, mortgage papers, etc. While no one will necessarily want to steal or damage your documents, you never know what may happen or how soon you will need them after your move. For all moving-related papers, it’s a good idea to store them in a binder, small safe or lockbox and keep them with you at all times. If you opt for a safe or lockbox, be sure you have the keys to unlock it, and keep them in a safe spot.

Valuable Jewelry

Pieces of jewelry are small and expensive – two elements that make them prone to mysterious disappearances during a move. One, you may lose or misplace an item, and two, someone can easily take it, especially when left unattended during chaotic moving-day activities. To help lower the risk of valuable jewelry being lost, be sure to do your research on moving companies and only hire those movers with an excellent reputation.

Because delicate jewelry pieces can be easily damaged during transport, be very careful when packing these items, and take the time to move them yourself. You will handle them with much more care than anyone else, and you can ensure to get them to your new home safe and sound.

Electronics

You probably won’t be surprised by this, but expensive state-of-the-art electronics top the list of stolen items during a move. This includes everything from flat-screen TVs and computers to stereo, headphones and popular video games. If items like these are stolen, it is obviously a very sad and frustrating event. Not only will you be out a lot of money – and a prized or favorite possession – but you are also put at risk of identity theft if the item stolen has personal information digitally stored on it. To ensure the safety of your most expensive electronics – laptop, digital camera, smartphone, etc. – keep them with you at all times during your relocation. A good way to protect yourself in case of stolen electronics is to secure them with a password (and avoid easy ones like “1234”).

Another problem seen when moving expensive electronics is a high risk of damage. This is especially true during long-distance moves in mid-summer and mid-winter. Why do these times increase the risk of damage? Because of the extreme temperatures and weather conditions – a situation that can lead to irrevocable damage to sensitive devices. Your best bet when moving these items is to store them in a temperature-controlled environment at all times.

Family Heirlooms

The loss of family heirlooms can cost you dearly in many ways. The most obvious one being deep emotional stress because no amount of time or money can ever bring them back again. No matter the object, items of high sentimental value are irreplaceable and should be given special attention during a move. To avoid having them stolen or damaged, pack them with care and keep them with you at all times.

Antiques, Artwork and Collector’s Items

If you own antiques, there is a good chance that many of them are rather large and will need to be placed on a moving truck. To keep these items well protected, wrap them in materials like bubble wrap and packing paper.

Art pieces are much too valuable and delicate to be loaded into a moving truck. But for large items that cannot be transported by car, package them in custom wooden crates that are specifically designed to hold artwork. Be sure to use plenty of bubble wrap, foam sheets and corrugated paper.

If you are a collector, no matter what the item is that you collect, it is something that holds some sort of value to you. If possible, take these items with you during your relocation to avoid having these prized possessions lost or damaged.

An important thing to remember to do before your moving truck departs from your old property is to check to ensure nothing important has been forgotten, misplaced or mistakenly loaded onto the moving truck. It is also a good idea to remember that even if you have hired trustworthy movers, anything can happen. Opting for a liability protection plan is a good way to ensure you are compensated if your belongings end up missing or damaged during your move. For those items of high sentimental value that can never be replaced, don’t risk it, and move them yourself.

When preparing for something as big as moving house, it is important to be as organized as possible. One way is by creating a week-by-week moving checklist and sticking to it. Check out the following guide for help creating your own personal moving timeline – from eight weeks to one week prior to moving day.

Weeks Prior to Moving Day: 8

Decision time! Eight weeks prior to moving day is the optimal time to make that important decision – opt for a self-move or hire movers.

If you are currently renting, inform your landlord that you will soon be leaving the property, and begin your search for a new place in the city you are moving to.

Confirm with your current employer that you will be moving, and arrange your first day of work at your new job. Or, if you do not yet have a job in your new area, begin your search as soon as possible.

Create a moving budget so you will know roughly how much money you will need to organize and execute your upcoming move.

If you decide to use professional movers, being your search for a top-rated moving company that is affordable and professional.

Inventory your home by making a detailed room-by-room list of all your possessions.

Review your home inventory list and decide which items you will take with you and which ones will be left behind.

Create a special binder to keep all of your moving-related paperwork.

Begin thinking about how you are going to pack your belongings.

Weeks Prior to Moving Day: 6

If you have opted for a self-move, begin strategizing your plans for renting a moving truck. Contact truck rental companies and compare prices and conditions.

Collect all medical records from your doctor and also from your pet’s vet. If you have school-aged children, now is the time to also obtain their school records. This is also a good time to take your pet(s) to the vet for a complete check-up, required vaccinations, and advice on the upcoming relocation.

Start looking for a new healthcare provider and a new school for your kid(s) in your future city. Be sure to ask around for suggestions and recommendations before the move takes place.

If your move is local, visit your soon-to-be home, and measure the dimensions of rooms and doorways. This will eliminate potential problems come moving day.

Weeks Prior to Moving Day: 4

If you will be having a self-move, four weeks prior to moving day is a good time to go ahead and contact your friends and family to ask them if they can help you move.

Begin packing, being sure to label all of your boxes. This will make unpacking much faster and more efficient.

While packing, prepare one or two boxes/containers with all of the absolute essentials you will need during the time when you won’t have easy access to your belongings.

Weeks Prior to Moving Day: 2

Contact your chosen professional mover to ensure all plans are still in order.

If moving with kids, make a point to talk with them about the upcoming move. Discuss with them what is expected from them, and also use this time to calm down any fears they may have of the unknown ahead.

Contact your current utility companies to inform them of the date your services will need to be disconnected. Also, contact service providers in your new area, and arrange a connection date.

Consider how you will pack and ship any fragile or valuable items – artwork, paintings, antique furniture, and jewelry. For optimal protection, use appropriate packing techniques with materials that provide good cushion and padding, like bubble wrap and packing paper.

Weeks Prior to Moving Day: 1

Pay any remaining bills before your scheduled move-out date.

Begin disassembling large furniture – dressers, beds, desks, etc. Keep in mind, you may need help handling these tasks, so you will need to have enough time to find helpers.

If you have fallen behind in your moving schedule, seek aid from friends or professional movers.

Make a move-out cleaning checklist, and prepare all cleaning materials in advance.

Finish any last-minute organizing, packing and preparing for the big day ahead.

There are many things to look forward to in life, and one of the most exciting is the day you move into your very first apartment. If you’re headed to college or just starting out in the world of relying on your own income, you more than likely don’t have the means to buy all of the brand-new items you dream of owning. Hopefully your family will help pitch in and provide you with a few odds and ends, but there will still be a lot of things you need to get for your new home. Here is an outline of post-move essentials.

Furniture

Moving into your very first apartment comes with lots of daydreams about how you want to furnish and decorate it. But, there’s a solid chance you won’t be able to purchase a houseful of stuff right off the bat. At first, you can get by with the bare minimums – like a bed, couch and table. If you don’t already own must-have items like these, then you should place these things on the top of your new-apartment checklist.

Kitchen

When it comes to the kitchen, everyone requires different supplies. For example, someone who truly enjoys cooking will need many more pots, pans and dishes than someone who tends to just grab food and go. Here are some things you may need.

dish soap

dish towels

paper towels

trash bags

pot holders

sponges

silverware

dishes (plates/cups)

cookie sheets

measuring cups/spoons

microwave

toaster

Bedroom

Aside from filling your closet with all of your clothes and ensuring you have a bed to sleep on, your bedroom only needs a few standard items when you first move in. They include:

blankets

pillows

sheets

full-length mirror

storage containers (for under bed/in closet)

Bathroom

For most, aside from bath/shower products, the bathroom is one of the barest areas in a home. To make it feel more complete when you first move in, here are some essentials it will need.

When it’s time to move, costs add up quickly – a situation that can lead to extra stress during an already stressful situation. While many moving expenses are unavoidable, there are multiple ways you can keep costs down. All you have to do is plan ahead and follow these easy budget-friendly moving tips.

Prepare to Pack. Until you start packing your belongings for an upcoming move, you never realize just how much stuff you actually have. This means you’ll require lots of boxes, tape and other moving supplies. To save money on supplies, the optimal solution is to begin collecting packing materials as soon as possible – from friends, family and stores around town. Opting for free boxes may take awhile to gather, but it is an easy way to save some cash.

Purge Your Belongings. Moving all of your belongings from one location to another can really strain your budget. The final cost of your relocation is primarily based on two things: overall weight of items and total distance from your current home to your new one. In order to make your move less costly, it’s a good idea to go through your stuff and do some downsizing.

If you’ve lived under one roof for many years, there’s a good chance that you’ve accumulated a large number of things – many that have become more and more useless and unwanted with each passing year. Moving is the ultimate chance to finally go through all of your belongings and purge what you don’t need.

A good way to begin the house purging process is to make an inventory of everything you own. Be mentally prepared to make some tough decisions – especially with those items you’ve been hauling around for years. Just remember – the more items you take with you, the more expensive your move will be.

Choose Your Moving Date Wisely. If you’re lucky enough to choose your moving date, do so wisely. The months from May to September are the most popular times to move, which makes moving during this time more expensive. Moving companies are also their busiest during these months, which can make it harder to book them. If possible, plan your move for the moving off-season in order to save big on moving rates.

Compare Moving Estimates. Moving companies are the ideal way to save time and energy. But, it can be costly. This being said, comparing cost estimates of moving companies is very important. Be sure to pay attention to additional services and how much each costs, such as packing, packing materials, unpacking, temporary storage, disassembly and reassembly of furniture, etc. Also, check for any extra charges and fees, being sure to investigate them before making a final decision on movers.

Opt for a DIY Move. If hiring a moving company doesn’t seem in the cards for you, don’t panic – instead, opt for a DIY move. A DIY move is definitely the more labor-intensive choice, but good organization, careful planning and safe execution can make it easier than you think – not to mention the cheaper choice. Expenses for a DIY move will include:

When you have a big move coming up, it’s common to feel overwhelmed. There is a lot to do after all. Hiring movers, organizing, and deciding what items to keep, donate or throw away. And don’t forget packing – the never-ending task that everyone hates. In order to make your move a success, the first thing you need to do is gather all of the supplies you will need. Here are the top five must-have packing supplies you’ll need to pack efficiently.

Boxes, Boxes … did we mention boxes? Packing and boxes go hand-in-hand during the moving process. So a few months before your move, begin gathering as many boxes as you can. Then go out and gather some more because the amount you will require far exceeds what you will ever imagine needing.

To save money, first try collecting boxes from family, friends and co-workers; also check liquor stores and big warehouses that have continuous access to boxes. If you still need more, you can purchase them from package stores, the post office, and so on. Just be sure that whatever boxes you collect are strong and durable.

Resealable Plastic Bags. For every moving box you need, you will also want just as many resealable plastic bags – if not more. These bags will be your best friend pre-move and post-move because they keep everything organized. Use them for keeping all hardware and instruction manuals together, or for storing wires and plugs, which can become a tangled mess when simply thrown into a box.

Tape Gun. Have you ever tried to wrap a present or seal up a box without a tape gun? The mere thought probably drives you nuts as you recall the time and hassle it took to tear off a million individual pieces of tape. Enter, the tape gun. Using a tape gun is the optimal tool for packing, saving you time and hassle.

Bubble Wrap. Bubble wrap or packing peanuts? Ya gotta pick the bubble wrap! After all, who can resist the incredible urge to pop those alluringly squeezable bubbles? Bubble wrap can of course be a fun toy, but it is also very helpful when packing. All of those little bubbles of air make the perfect protective cushion so your breakables stay in tact during your move. So stock up pre-move and when your move is over, pop, pop, pop away!

Markers and Labels. Whether you opt for markers, labels, or both, be sure to get them in bright colors and have them handy when packing. Use them to color code boxes for each individual room for easier organization on the day of the big move.

Summer means many things. A break from school. Family vacations. Trip to the beach, lake and pool. But did you know, summer is also the most popular time to pack up and move to a new home? A summer move comes with many pros and cons, so continue reading to learn more.

Pros

Less Stressful. For many, summer months are often less busy. School days and holidays are over and people are enjoying more laid-back days. With a schedule that’s less chaotic, moving in summer can be less stressful.

Better Weather Conditions. One thing most love about summer is its more manageable weather conditions and longer days.This is a definite advantage when moving because it allows you to get most, if not all of your moving done in just one day.

School’s Out. If you’re moving with kids, waiting until summer vacation begins is the best way to ensure an easier transition between schools. Your child’s education also won’t be disrupted by the move and no school will have to be missed.

Cons

Heat. Summer weather is definitely nicer to look at, but it’s very hot conditions are a definite con. Hot temperatures can be exhausting, as well as dangerous to your health.

More Costly. Due to the increase of people wanting to move in summer, it can be more costly to hire movers and supplies; it can also make scheduling harder. To ensure you have everything you need for moving day, be sure to plan ahead and book early.

How To Move Safely During Summer. As previously stated, the hot weather conditions of summer can make moving dangerous. If you opt to move everything yourself, this means lifting and carrying heavy boxes, furniture and appliances for hours on end. This can lead to physical strain any time of the year, but during the summer months, this greatly increases. If you decide to move during summer, it’s crucial to take the necessary precautions. Here’s how.

Dress For Heat and Comfort. The day of your move, dress for the events ahead and wear clothes that will be cool and comfortable. Opting for light-weight and light-colored clothes is the best way to help prevent dangerous problems, such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

Stay Hydrated. Scorching temperatures and intense physical activity can be a very bad mix. Your body will need more water than usual to stay hydrated and to keep your core body temperature where it needs to be. To stay hydrated, be sure to drink lots of water during your move. Also, consider beverages with electrolytes (Gatorade, Powerade, etc.). Avoid energy drinks and sodas because they will only dehydrate you.

Apply Sunscreen. With all of the constant commotion on moving day, it will be hard to truly judge how often you are in the sun. But during summer days, sunshine is typically lurking everywhere, so be sure to apply sunscreen to protect yourself from dangerous rays on the day of your move.

For all of your summer moving needs, we can help. For a price quote and to schedule, contact us today.

The kitchen is by far one of the most dreaded rooms to pack for a move. Dishes, appliances, odds and ends … and a good 90% of these items are breakable! So how do you get through the risky job of packing your kitchen? Follow our helpful guide below.

Appliances. If you somehow managed to save your appliances’ original boxes/packaging, bravo! Feel free to use them while packing them for your move. If you didn’t save the original boxes – you’re part of the majority that tosses them, so don’t worry. Here’s what to do.

First, gather medium-sized packing boxes. Next, ensure appliances (and all of their parts) are clean and dry. Remove all small parts and fragile pieces and wrap them in bubble wrap and packing paper. If you saved the owner’s manual, tape it to the bottom or the front of the appliance – this will make for easier assembly later. Place the main part of the appliance into the box first; then stack pre-packaged, smaller pieces on top.

Dishes/Glasses. Dishes and glasses are the scariest and most tedious thing to pack. You don’t want to rush through packing them because you risk finding box after box of broken dishes and shattered glass after you move. To tackle these items, try this:

Place two layers of bubble wrap/packing paper on the bottom of a box. For dishes, wrap each piece with a thin layer of packing paper. As you stack them inside the box, place an extra layer or bubble wrap/packing paper between every three dishes. For glasses/mugs, wrap each piece individually. You can use bubble wrap or packing paper, but if you want to save these supplies, try using T-shirts or other similar clothing items instead.

Silverware. Sorting silverware into separate boxes may seem more annoying than anything, but it’s a good idea to make sure it doesn’t share a box with any items that may be breakable – it will also make unpacking more organized. To pack silverware, first start by sorting it into specific types – big spoons with big spoons, small forks with small forks, and so on. Wrap each type with a rubber band. Once all items are sorted and banded together, place them into a shoebox and tape it shut.

Pots and Pans. Ahh … good ol’ pots and pans. While they may make cooking possible, they sure can be a pain to store and pack. To find the correct sized box, grab your biggest pan and place it into a box – horizontally and diagonally. If the lid fits securely to the pan, the box is the right size. If it doesn’t, the box is too small. Once you have the perfect box, begin stacking your pots (without lids) inside. Then wrap lids with packing paper and place them inside the box beneath pan handles.

Other Items. So what do you do with all of those other items in your kitchen? Instead of just dumping them into a random box, there’s a much more efficient solution. Wrap all other items with a single sheet of packing paper. Then, inside your already packed kitchen boxes, tuck each item into the unused space. This will help fill up the unused space in your packed boxes, as well as save you from using more boxes than necessary.